Detroit Tigers: Three Minor League Players Who Can Help

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Mar 1, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop JaCoby Jones (79) throws to first for the double play as Pittsburgh Pirates Jason Rogers (15) slides into second during the seventh inning at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

JaCoby Jones

Coming off of a suspension that has kept him out of action this season, JaCoby Jones will likely log some at-bats with Triple-A Toledo before the Tigers even consider calling him up.

That being said, there is a lot to like about Jones’ game.

An excellent athlete, the former Pittsburgh prospect could end up at any position on the diamond—or in a utility role.

Unlike most utility players, Jones can do some serious damage at the plate.

In 117 games at the Single-A level in 2014, the 24-year-old crushed three triples, 21 doubles and 23 home runs. He also plated 70 runs while stealing 17 bases and hitting .288. Following that, Jones continued to thrive in 2015.

He continued to stuff the stat sheet during the 2015 season. Splitting the year between two levels, Advanced Single-A and Double-A, Jones hit .257, but drove in 80 runs and stole 25 bases. He also added five triples, 25 doubles and 16 home runs.

He could be a Ben Zobrist-type player for Detroit.

Next: Should Al Avila be on High Alert?

Not only would Jones be able to play multiple positions, he’d also add some pop to a Detroit Tigers bench that (at least in terms of offense) has failed to produce.